After our return from Rincon, PR, Julie and I began to dream the surfer's dream of living in a coastal surf community year round. Although it seemed as if it was something we could only dream about - at least we could crash at her parents condo in Ocean City, New Jersey on the weekend. If we truly want to surf year 'round, we only need to learn how to grin and bear the cold of Northeast winters. No OCNJ is not Rincon, in April and May the water is only about 50 degrees, but there's definitely potential.
After purchasing some booties, Julie and I had a wonderful Spring weekend in the water this past April. We left Ocean City with smiles so big you could surf them! We love Ocean City, even if it isn't a surf mecca like Santa Cruz, Rincon, or Waikiki.
Just when we were trying to convince ourselves that OCNJ had surfing relevance - the July issue of Surfer Magazine arrived with its article titled Ten Best Surf Towns In America. Lo and Behold! Ocean City, New Jersey was number 10!
The article states: Known as “America’s Greatest Family Resort,” Ocean City, New Jersey, boasts more surf accolades than any northeastern surf establishment. Home to Dean Randazzo, New Jersey’s only World Tour Competitor, and a fresh crop of committed and aspiring WQS surfers, Ocean City takes its surfing seriously. The local high school has won eight consecutive state surfing championships, and despite an unfriendly climate, the locale’s consistency and proximity to ledgier surf put it on the U.S. surf map.
Needless to say, Julie and I have started brainstorming ways to spend more time in OCNJ. ANd I'm sure there will be a lot more people in the water now too :)
You can click on the title of this post and it will take you to the surfer magazine article: http://surfermag.com/features/onlineexclusives/ten_best_surf_towns_in_america/
I had mixed feelings about OC being in the Top 10. On the one hand, it lends some credibility to my surfing. I don't have to feel so defensive about what many perceive as lame East Coast surfing. On the other, I don't want thousands more people in the water there. Maybe being under the radar is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteI'm still moving to a southern shore if i can convince the wife
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